Why Hornets’ loss to Celtics hurts in NBA playoff drought battle

The sound of a thud from Spectrum Center might be more than just a basketball hitting the floor. It could symbolize a missed opportunity for the Charlotte Hornets, who faced off against the Boston Celtics in what was expected to be a pivotal game. The Hornets were looking to capitalize on their home court advantage and improve their standing in the Eastern Conference, especially after a strong performance earlier this month against the Celtics.

However, the Hornets struggled throughout the game, falling 114-99 to the Celtics, despite Jaylen Brown sitting out. This loss was a setback, but it wasn’t all bad news. The Hornets received some help from other teams in the conference, which kept them in 10th place in the standings.

A Missed Opportunity

Charlotte (39-36) didn’t lose any ground in the standings, but the loss was still a disappointment. With seven games remaining, the Hornets are currently trailing the eighth-place Orlando Magic by half a game and are two games behind seventh-place Philadelphia.

Miles Bridges emphasized the importance of not relying on other teams to make the playoffs. “We want to create our own path to the playoffs,” he said. “And in order to do that, we’ve got to start winning games again.”

The key to turning things around is learning from the last two losses. The Hornets have struggled in close games, going 10-18 in games where the score was within five points with less than five minutes left. Only Indiana, New Orleans, and Brooklyn have worse records in clutch time.

Coach’s Perspective

Coach Charles Lee sees the loss as an opportunity for growth. “These type of games make you stronger, they build your character,” he said. “Because you are playing another tough team coming off of a loss and no one’s going to feel sorry for you.”

Lee also highlighted the value of the home stand, noting that the Hornets had the chance to face top-tier talent. “I think that we showed we’re a pretty darn good team as well,” he added.

Sion James echoed the coach’s sentiment, emphasizing the need to maintain high standards regardless of recent results. “You’ve got to learn from everything,” he said. “And you, most importantly, have to play to the standard every game.”

Key Takeaways

LaMelo Ball’s Struggles

LaMelo Ball started the game slowly, missing his first six shots, including all five attempts from beyond the arc. His first field goal came late in the first half, and he finished with seven points on 2-of-9 shooting before picking up a third foul.

Despite the slow start, Ball found his rhythm later in the game, finishing with a team-high 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Coach Lee praised Ball’s efforts, noting that he had good looks throughout the game.

“Even when Melo’s not hitting his shots, he’s finding us, he’s doing other things on the court that makes him effective,” Bridges said. “But at the same time, when Melo’s making shots, we’re better.”

Coby White Steps In

Coby White made an impact in the game, contributing 11 points and four rebounds in 20 minutes. He was available for the game after being sidelined in previous back-to-back games due to injury concerns involving Grant Williams.

Williams sat out the game as part of a planned rest schedule following his recovery from an ACL and meniscus tear. White, who was acquired from Chicago just before the trade deadline, has been progressing well since his arrival.

“We feel like he’s progressed really well since acquiring him in the trade,” Lee said. “I think he’s in a better spot now obviously than then, and so coming in this morning, pulled up really well.”